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Hello. I want to start a career as an HVAC technician. I enrolled in 2 courses at the local college (beginning electrical for HVAC, and gas and electric heating). I plan on looking for a job at one of the local HVAC companies this week. My question is are there any tips you can give me about starting a career in HVAC? Any good books I should buy or training DVD's I could buy? Plus what are the licensing requiremnets to become an HVAC technician for Texas? Thanks for any help. Brian.

Greenhorn,when you find a job with a decent company,learn the installation part of the trade first whether its commercial or residential. Continue to go to classes and work in the field during the day. As you progress get your certifications(EPA,journey,nate,). As far as books you probably got them during your college courses,but there is no book or course that can teach the trade like good old Hands On Training.The best techs. are the ones who know how to install entire systems as well as troubleshooting and fixing them.Good luck buddy this trade can use some new young blood.

Norm,
I checked your recommended reading list where you suggest the book TECH Method Lesson Series (ACR Trouble Shooting).
How good is it? $89 for a spiral bound book is rather expensive. I sent an e-mail to the publisher with questions about the book, but got no reply.

HVAC Newbie

There are excellent books on the market for this industry.
As far as videos Jim Johnson's Techcnical Training Associates has excellent troublshootig videos, Carrier Corp., Lennox. Norm Chris's Corner at Baccarach Training.
Copeland has a new interactive CD Rom set called the "tool Box. RSES is another, and last but not least is HVAC-Talk.Com, since becoming a member I have increased knowledge which I pass on when teaching. As R12Rules has stated there are many highly qualified individuals on this site. Remember you never stop learning,I at it 36 yrs. and learning every day especially on this site with such wonderful and talented experts. God bless each and everyone of them.

I think the HVAC field is flooded right now.... you may want to reconsider and look into being a surgeon or at least a lawyer or maybe play russian roullette professionally ... anything but this...dont ruin your life...

Only kidding Good luck and even if you never get good at it thats okay too you can always work as SEARS installer.

thehumid1-------I live in NJ, a state where it's free to come in but you have to pay to leave!

Most important I think is public relations. Learn to sell yourself and you will become a great salesman. Schools are great, but there is no substitute for self education. You have already started your education you found this website.

When we look to hire anyone we look for mainly personallity and character.
We can train you to fix an air conditioner.
Training someone to deal with people and sell is more difficult.

Take your job home with you and try to learn new things every night.
Good Luck.